Meredith DeMent has rejoined Baker McKenzie's North America International Commercial Practice Group as a partner in the Washington, DC office. She will counsel US and multinational companies on all aspects of US customs and related trade laws, including current and rapidly evolving trade policy, compliance and duty mitigation strategies.
Meredith brings many years of experience guiding clients through complex questions of customs valuation, country-of-origin, tariff classification, free trade agreements, duty preference programs and trade enforcement actions. She has advised clients on international trade due diligence in connection with mergers and acquisitions, strategic customs planning, and the design, implementation and administration of effective compliance programs. Meredith returns to Baker McKenzie from Sidley Austin LLP.
"Meredith's vast experience in US customs and trade will broaden our capabilities and strengthen our approach to meeting clients' needs in the areas of global trade and supply chain recovery and rebuilding," said Jennifer Trock, chair of the Firm's North America International Commercial Practice Group and Global Aviation Group.
"With the recent USMCA and forced labor developments, growing trade tensions, and supply chain disruptions, both US customs and international trade are increasingly high-demand areas. The Firm is committed to the continued growth of the North America International Commercial Practice Group and its ability to service our clients' US customs work. We view Meredith as an integral part of strengthening our customs practice in North America," noted North America Chief Executive Officer Colin Murray.
Meredith added: "I am delighted to be rejoining Baker McKenzie as a national partner in the North America and Global International Commercial Practice Groups. The Firm has an unparalleled global network of trade expertise and I look forward to leveraging that network to help clients navigate increasingly complex strategic and compliance challenges. I am also privileged to help the Firm continue to build and expand its successful trade practice."
Baker McKenzie’s International Commercial Practice Group advises clients on critical cross-border legal issues impacting global business strategy. With attorneys located across the United States, Canada and Mexico, our cross-disciplinary, multicultural and multilingual team helps clients to optimize global business opportunities and address strategic, operational and compliance challenges. As trusted advisors on franchising and distribution/brand expansion, international trade compliance, foreign investments, data privacy, aviation, and business transformations, we provide practical and comprehensive legal solutions tailored to clients' unique risk profile and strategic objectives.
Meredith received her JD from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and her BA from Claremont McKenna College. She is a member of the International Compliance Professionals Association.